ESPN’s Jason Churchill believes Seattle has the right package to land Votto.

Even though the Reds continue to deny that they’re shopping Votto, a deal with Seattle would make sense on several levels.

We know Cincinnati is absolutely desperate for pitching; a putrid overall effort from its starting staff transformed the Reds from Central Division champions to also-rans in one season. We also know that the Reds have power to spare.

How would he look in an M's jersey?

They could lose Votto and still score plenty of runs with Jay Bruce, Drew Stubbs, Brandon Phillips and youngster Yonder Alonso, a former first-round pick who can play first base and has big power potential.

General manager Jack Z and the Mariners have stockpiled young talent in recent seasons and have plenty of pieces they could move in a Votto deal.

I’d have to think Cincinnati would want Michael Pineda to start. The remaining pieces are anyone’s guess but could include Justin Smoak, Trayvon Robinson or even Brandon League if Cincy wants bullpen help.

My advice to Jack Z: DON’T DO IT.

Don’t get me wrong – I love Joey Votto. He’s one of baseball’s best all-around players.

But the M’s aren’t deep enough overall for a Votto trade to bolster them. Losing Pineda would leave them with King Felix and…what? And, with Ichiro in decline, they need to build young offensive depth in the outfield.

Most teams would love to have Votto – but Seattle shouldn’t be one of them.

A potential trade might be a nice fit for the Reds but I don’t think it helps the Mariners as much.